7 Healthy Foods That Are Worth The Hype

These buzz-worthy foods offer a wealth of nutrition and anti-aging properties. Here, get the reasons why you should start including them in your diet.

Truth Behind the Trend

We’re surrounded each day by super-trendy and highly marketed health foods. Some of their nutritional claims are pure bunk. (Sugary breakfast cereals with added vitamins? No, thank you.) Others, however, are legitimate, with real, accountable health benefits that make them worthwhile purchases. Here are seven foods that live up to the hype.

Almond milk

What it is: Frequently used as a stand-in for cow’s milk, almond milk is made from water and ground almonds mixed together.Why it’s worth the hype: For vegans and people allergic to dairy, almond milk is a dream come true. Lactose- and casein-free, rich in vitamins and minerals, and low in fat, calories, and carbohydrates, it’s perfect for folks watching their waistlines, not to mention almost everybody else (nut allergies excepted, of course).How to eat it: If you purchase almond milk from a store, remember to choose the unsweetened kind. Then, pour it over cereal, use it in a smoothie, or substitute it for dairy milk in recipes.

Quinoa

What it is: Pronounced keen-wah, it’s a protein-filled, gluten-free seed frequently confused for a grain because of its appearance, slightly nutty taste, and general versatility. Why it’s worth the hype: High in magnesium, phosphorus, folate, and dietary fiber, among other vitamins and minerals, quinoa can be wonderful for weight loss, maintenance, and general wellbeing. The high fiber content keeps you feeling full, while its low glycemic index won’t raise your blood sugar. Add to that its riboflavin content, which can improve metabolism of energy, and its lysine content, which helps with tissue repair and growth, and you’ve got yourself a virtual superfood.How to eat it: Almost any which way you can. Substitute quinoa for rice, stuff it in a burrito, cook some up for breakfast, or make veggie burgers out of it. Use your imagination!

Chia seeds

What it is: Remember your Chia Pet from the '80s? Well, don’t eat it, but know that the tiny
seeds that came with your “decorative planter” are secretly good for you. Food
companies are adding salvia hispanica from everything from beverages to
breakfast cereals.
Why it’s worth the hype: Chock full of fiber, thiamin, niacin,
riboflavin, and calcium (more than milk, even), these little guys are linked to
weight loss. And when water is added, they gel, helping you feel fuller by
expanding in your tummy. Weird, but effective.
How to eat them: Virtually flavorless, chia seeds can be snuck
into smoothies, sauces, and more without altering the essential character of
the food. For recipe ideas, check out this great slideshow from Shape magazine.

Coconut water

What
it is: In every green, young coconut there sits a tiny
reservoir of clear liquid possessing a slightly nutty taste with a hint of
sweetness.
Why
it’s worth the hype: Potassium and sodium are crucial to bodily
fluid balance, key to overall heart health, and assist in blood pressure
regulation. And coconut water is full of ‘em. For rehydration and replenishment
after a workout, choose it over sports drinks. It has more health benefits and contains
less sugar.
How
to eat it: Some people aren’t crazy about the taste of
coconut water, but if you can tolerate it, opt for a plain-flavored version
(with no additives) in an 11-ounce bottle, which contains just about 60
calories.

Flax Seeds

Fiber, which keeps us feeling full and flowing regularly (if you know what we mean).

Lignans, which can lower cancer rates and perhaps improve overall heart health. Flax seeds have the highest concentration of lignans than any other known food.

Omega-3s, which are fatty acids wonderful for your heart. An eighth of a cup of flax seeds gives you 146 percent of your required daily value.

How to eat it: Opt for ground flax seed, which is simpler to incorporate into your daily meals, not to mention easier to digest. You can use a food processor to grind it at home if you can only find whole flax seeds in stores. Add a tablespoon to cereal, smoothies, or baked goods.

Greek yogurt

What it is: You’ve seen Greek yogurt all over television commercials and lining the shelves of your own supermarket. The difference between it and traditional yogurt is this: it’s strained, removing the liquid whey and giving it a thicker texture.Why it’s worth the hype: For starters, it contains about 20 grams of protein, or a little less than double the protein of regular yogurt. It’s also high in calcium, good for everything from bone health to heart function. Finally, Greek yogurt is lower in carbs than traditional yogurt, meaning it’s a better choice for diabetics.How to eat it: Straight from the container, mixed with berries and granola, in a smoothie, as art of a dip, or in any of these recipes—Greek yogurt is one of the most flexible ingredients around.

Almond butter

What it is: Like its cousin, peanut butter, almond butter is made from nuts ground into a paste. Unlike peanut butter, it’s made from, well, almonds. (Duh.)Why it’s worth the hype: On its own, it’s a good source of vitamin E, fiber, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, and magnesium. As an alternative to peanut butter, it contains about half the saturated fat, plus much more of four of those minerals: potassium, iron, calcium, and manganese.How to eat it: Just like you would peanut butter—spread on whole-grain bread, as a fruit dip, etc. Try to choose a brand with minimal processing and few additives; that’s where reading ingredient labels comes in handy.

Comments

Wow! Some of these food I never even heard of! But they sound both healthy and yummy!

Meanwhile, if this article interests you, please know that there's a food forum in the Community section, called Grandma's Pantry. Just scroll to the very top of this page (above the site title ), click on Community and you'll see it on the Index there.

rosered135 on 2013-07-01 07:49:20

Yes, almond butter is usually found in the peanut butter section. But you may have a better variety of brands with limited other ingredients at a health food store.

AuntSue on 2013-06-27 09:28:52

In what section of a grocery store do I find these products? Is almond butter with the butter or peanut butter? I am a grandma and I don't want to run all over a big store looking for these products.